Lake House (Crystal Lake Park)
206 W. Park Urbana, IL 61801 | Orange/Gold Bus Route
Just north of University Avenue at the corner of Park Street and Race Street
The Lake House is great for:
The Lake House is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, small weddings, trainings or seminars, graduation parties, and receptions.
It offers a beautiful view of Crystal Lake with easy access to pavilions, playgrounds, and boating in the park. The climate-controlled room can seat 50 people or accommodate up to 100 people with the inclusion of the patio. Rental requests should be made at least two weeks in advance. Add a special touch to a wedding or reunion by booking a group boat rental. You’ll get a discount when you plan ahead!
Included in Every Rental: use of a prep kitchen with counter space, small microwave, sink, and ice machine, use of refrigerator and freezer. Easel, screen and podium are also available at no extra charge.
How Many Guests Can I Host at a Lake House Gathering?
The climate-controlled room seats up to 50 people and can accommodate up to 100 people with the addition of the patio.
Facility rental
What are the Lake House Rental Fees?
Regular Rental Rates
Monday-Thursday: Inside Room (seats 50) - $50/hour | Inside Room with Patio (seats 100) - $65/hour
Friday-Sunday: Inside Room (seats 50) - $60/hour | Inside Room with Patio (seats 100) - $75/hour
Add use of the lakeside deck to your facility rental: $50/2 hours
Meeting Rental-Seminar Rates
For only $35/hour or $45/ hour you’ll have access to all the Lake House features.
Call Janet at 217-367-1544 ext. 277 to see if your meeting qualifies for our seminar rate.
What is Included in a Lake House Rental?
Every rental includes use of a prep kitchen with counter space, small microwave, sink, ice machine, use of refrigerator and freezer. An easel, screen and podium are available at no extra charge.
Available Extras:
- Coffee: $7/gallon
- Tea / Lemonade: $4/gallon
- LCD projector: $20
- DVD/TV: $10
How Do I Request/Pay for a Lake House Rental?
Rental requests should be made at least two weeks in advance.
Call Janet at 217-367-1544 ext. 277 to discuss set-up options and accommodations for larger parties. All rentals require a $75 deposit. Often groups will work with a rental company for additional tables and chairs for an outdoor ceremony. We’d be glad to help you plan your next celebration.
To check date availability online:
- Click "online registration" on this website.
- Click the rentals tab.
- Click the grey View Facilities button
- Scroll down for Lake House or type Lake House into the search bar.
- What shows up are months that currently have bookings.
- Click on the month and a calendar opens up.
- That calendar will show the dates and times of existing bookings.
- Call 217-367-1544 to follow up and verify its availability.
Request
Request packets are available at the Lake House, Phillips Center and by e-mail. Or download a rental packet here. You must complete a request and return it to the Phillips Recreation Center with a $75 damage deposit. Requests are only accepted when the request form and deposit have both been received. Preferably, two weeks advance notice should be given to reserve the Lake House. Many weekend dates are booked several months in advance, so plan accordingly. Staff will try to accommodate requests with less notice if the space and staffing are available.
After you submit your form and deposit, the Community Program Manager must then approve your request. After you are called with approval, you will receive a receipt, your permit and paperwork copies. No requests are approved without a call from the Manager.
Payment
The $75 damage deposit must be received to make your request. After the rental is approved, the deposit will be cashed (if paid with a check) or will be charged (if paid with a credit card). A full refund for the deposit will be issued approximately two weeks after your rental minus any costs for staying late, damages, additional staff time required to clean up, or other miscellaneous charges.
Full payment for the rental must be made no later than two weeks after notification that your rental has been approved. If payment is not received before the end of the two-week period, the reservation may be cancelled and $50 will be deducted from the damage deposit. We would be glad to discuss a payment plan if you believe you’ll require an extension.
PLEASE NOTE: Any party that stays over the scheduled time will be charged an additional amount at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
Boating
Stop by the Lake House to rent a paddleboat, canoe or rowboat and discover Crystal Lake. The Lake House will close when weather conditions make boating unsafe. Call 217-328-1069 for updated information.
Boating Dates & Times
- May 5-27 (open Memorial Day): Saturday & Sunday only - 12-7pm
- May 31-August 12 (open Independence Day): Thursday-Sunday - 12-7pm
- August 18-September 9 (open Labor Day): Saturday & Sunday only - 12-7pm
2018 Boating Rental Fees
- Canoes & Rowboats: $7/half-hour | $9/hour
- 2-person Paddleboat: $8/half-hour | $11/hour
- 3-person Paddleboat: $9/half-hour | $12/hour
- 4-person Paddleboat: $10/half-hour | $13/hour
We accept all major credit cards, cash or check (with valid ID) as payment. Fees include Coast Guard-approved life jackets with sizes ranging from infant to adult. An adult must accompany anyone under 16. A valid driver's license or major credit card is required as a deposit on all rentals.
Group Boat Rentals
Save up to 25% on regular boat rental prices when you book your group boat rental at least two weeks in advance! Call the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 to arrange your group boat rental today!
Lake House (Crystal Lake Park)